Azerbaijan — Visas and Vaccinations

Foreign nationals from Georgia, Belarus, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, or Russia are allowed to enter Azerbaijan without any visa and stay for 90 days. Travelers from Turkey and China are allowed 30 days without a visa ,and citizens of Iran are 15 days. Other travelers can get a single-entry visa in person by visiting an Azerbaijani Embassy. Check the State Migration Service of the Azerbaijan Republic website for more information at http://migration.gov.az/index.php?section=000&subsection=000&lang=en/.

Health and Safety

Travelers are advised to update their hepatitis A & B, tetanus, and diphtheria immunizations before coming to Azerbaijan. Get a malaria shot if you are visiting the lowlands, especially areas near the Iranian border. Avoid drinking from the tap and take note that the water served at restaurants may not be safe. Boiled drinks like coffee and tea and sealed soft drinks are okay. Stick to bottled water whenever possible.

Avoid talking about politics and never speak badly about the president or anyone in the Aliyev family, as it could mean jail time or deportation if you are a foreigner. Mentioning Armenians, Armenia, religion, or the Karabakh-Narogno conflict should also be avoided. The bottom line is respect begets respect.

While homosexuality is no longer a criminal offense in Azerbaijan, a negative stigma still exists. Travelers are advised not to openly reveal their sexual orientation.